Arm support for use with a fishing rod

ABSTRACT

An arm support for use with an elongated object such as a fishing rod is disclosed herein. The arm support device includes an arm cradle that mounts above the handle of the elongated object. The arm cradle can be pivoted relative to the handle about a pivot axis that is offset to either the left or right side of the handle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The principles disclosed herein relate to fishing equipment. More particularly, the disclosure relates to arm support devices for use with fishing rods.

BACKGROUND

Fishing has become increasingly popular at both the professional and recreational level. Fishing success at all levels can be hampered by an angler's inability to effectively handle a fishing rod. For example, improper technique and rod control can lead to poor casting accuracy and poor hook setting. Also, the inability to maintain the rod tip at a high location while playing a fish can lead to lost fish. Moreover, many anglers experience tired wrists after extended periods of fishing because traditional fishing rods provide relatively low amounts of leverage.

SUMMARY

One inventive aspect of the disclosure relates to an arm support device for use with a fishing rod that increases an angler's leverage while being comfortable and easy to use.

Another inventive aspect of the disclosure relates to an arm support device for use with a fishing rod that is laterally moveable to enhance comfort and ease of use.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts underlying the embodiments disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arm support device having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the arm support device is shown in combination with a fishing rod;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the arm support device and fishing rod of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the arm support device and fishing rod of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative rod support device having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an arm support device 20 having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The arm support device 20 is shown in combination with a fishing rod 22 including a handle 24 and a shaft 26. The arm support device 20 includes an arm cradle 28 adapted for supporting a forearm 30 of an angler as the angler grasps the handle 24 of the fishing rod 22. The arm support device 20 also includes a clamp 32 fastened to the handle 24, and a pivot pin 34 that pivotally connects the arm cradle 28 to the clamp 32. The configuration of the arm support device greatly improves the angler's leverage when the angler is playing a fish and setting the hook. Furthermore, the pivot pin 34 allows the cradle 28 to be easily positioned to the particular angle of comfort desired by the angler, and/or to freely pivot with the angler's forearm 30 as his or her wrist bends.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the fishing rod 22 is depicted as a conventional spinning rod having a top side 40 and a bottom side 42. The spinning rod includes eyelets 43 positioned at the bottom side 42 of the rod 22. The fishing rod 22 also includes a reel mount 44 positioned at the handle 24 for mounting a spinning reel 46 beneath the bottom side 42 of the rod 22. While the arm support device 20 has been shown with a conventional spinning rod, it will be appreciated that the arm support device 20 could also be used with other types of fishing rods such as bait casting or spin casting rods. Bait casting and spin casting rods typically have reels and eyelets mounted on the top sides of the rods. It will also be appreciated that, while a preferred use for the arm support device 20 is with respect to fishing rods, the device can also be used to improve leverage with respect to any type of elongated device having a handle where improved leverage and control of the device is desirable.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the arm cradle 28 of the arm support device 20 preferably mounts above the top side 40 of the fishing rod 22 at a location rearward of the reel mount 44. When connected to the rod 22, the arm cradle 28 preferably opens in an upwardly direction such that the angler's forearm can easily be inserted downwardly therein with minimal difficulty. In certain embodiments, a strap (e.g., a Velcro strap or a strap with a fastener such as a buckle) can be used to secure the angler's forearm 30 within the cradle 28.

Referring to FIG. 2, the arm cradle 28 includes a base portion 50 and opposing sidewalls 52 that curve upwardly from the base portion 50 so as to define an upwardly facing channel. The arm cradle 28 includes a front end 54 positioned opposite from a back end 56, and a left side 58 positioned opposite from a right side 60. A length L of the arm cradle 28 is defined between the front and back ends 54, 56, and a width W of the arm cradle 28 is defined between the left and right sides 58, 60. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the arm cradle 28 preferably inclines upwardly from the fishing rod 22 as the arm cradle extends from the front end 54 to the back end 56.

It is preferred for the length L of the cradle 28 to be longer than the width W of the cradle. In one embodiment, the length L is at least 1.5 times longer than the width W. In another embodiment, the length L is equal to or greater than 2 times the width W. In a preferred embodiment, the length is in the range of 5 to 12 inches, and the width W is in the range of 4 to 6 inches. Of course, sizes outside the specified ranges are also included within the scope of the present invention.

It is preferred for the arm cradle 28 to be made of a relatively light material such as plastic. By selecting a desired weight, the arm support device 20 can be used to effectively balance the fishing rod 22. In certain embodiments, weighting devices 300 can be added to or removed from the arm cradle 22 to provide customized weight suitable for the angler. For example, the weight devices 300 can be adhesively affixed or otherwise secured to the underside of the cradle 28.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pivot pin 34 of the arm support device 20 is connected to the arm cradle 28 at a location adjacent to the front end 54 of the arm cradle 28. The pivot pin 34 includes a pivot shaft 70 that extends downwardly from the front end of the arm cradle 28 to the clamp 34. The pivot shaft 70 is preferably free to pivot relative to the clamp 32 about a pivot axis 72 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 2, the pivot axis 72 is offset to a right side 41 of the fishing rod 22. With the pivot axis 72 offset to the right side 41 of the fishing rod 22, the arm support device 20 is most preferably suited for right-handed anglers that grasp the reel 46 with their right hand as shown in FIG. 1. For left-handed anglers, the pivot axis 72 is preferably offset to a left side 43 of the fishing rod 22.

FIG. 2 shows the arm cradle 28 being laterally pivoted relative to the fishing rod 22. In certain embodiments, the pivot pin 34 is configured to freely pivot relative to the clamp 34 so that the cradle 28 can follow the angler's forearm as the angler bends his or her wrist. In other embodiments, the pin 34 can frictionally engage the clamp 32 with sufficient tension to allow the cradle 28 to be manually pivoted to a desired angle relative to the rod 22, and then to maintain the desired angle until the angler decides to re-adjust the angle. In certain embodiments, a locking structure such as a set screw or other means can be used to lock the cradle 28 at the angle preferred by the angler.

Referring to FIG. 4, the clamp 32 includes first and second pieces 100 and 102 having inner sides 100A and 102A that oppose one another. The inner sides 100A and 102A includes recesses 104 and 106 that cooperate to define a receptacle 108 for receiving the handle 24 of the fishing rod 22. To mount the handle 24 within the clamp 32, the pieces 100, 102 are positioned on the left and right sides 41, 43 of the fishing rod 22 and are pressed together such that the handle 24 is captured within the receptacle 108. The pieces 100, 102 are then clamped together by fasteners such as bolts 110 that draw the pieces 100, 102 together such that the handle 24 is firmly clamped within the receptacle 108.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the second piece 102 of the clamp 32 includes a structure 130 for receiving the pivot shaft 70 of the pivot pin 34. By selectively mounting the second piece 102 on either the left side or the right side of the fishing rod 22, the arm support device 20 can be configured to be used by either a right-handed or a left-handed fisherman.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the structure 130 for receiving the pivot shaft 70 includes a shank 140 having a head 142. The head 142 seats within a pocket 146 defined within the second piece 102 of the clamp 32. A main body 143 of the shank extends from the pocket 146 through a clearance opening 148 to a region located exterior of the second piece 102. The shank 140 also defines an opening 150 through which the pivot pin extends. The pivot pin 70 can preferably rotate within the opening 150 to allow the arm cradle 28 to be pivoted to the left and right relative to the fishing rod 22. Fasteners such as collars 152 having set screws 154 can be mounted on the pivot pin 70 above and below the shank 140 to prevent the shaft 70 from being unintentionally removed from the opening 150. In alternative embodiments, the fasteners can be eliminated such that the pivot shaft 70 can be readily inserted into or removed from the opening 150.

The structure 130 is also configured to allow the angle of incline of the arm cradle 28 to be adjusted relative to the fishing rod 22. For example, the shank 140 includes a threaded portion 155 on which a nut 157 is mounted. By tightening the nut 157 on the threaded portion 155, the shank 140 can be clamped relative to the second piece 102 such that the opening 150 is locked at a position corresponding to the desired angle θ of the arm cradle 28 relative to the rod 22. To adjust the angle θ, the nut 157 is loosened to allow the shank 140 to be turned or pivoted about its longitudinal axis to increase or decrease the angle θ relative to the rod 22. FIG. 3 shows the arm cradle 28 in phantom line positioned at several different incline angles relative to the rod. It will be appreciated that angle θ can also be adjusted by bending the pivot shaft 70 at location 158. In certain embodiments, the angle θ is in the range of 0-45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle is in the range of 15-30 degrees.

In one embodiment, the head 142 of the shank 140 and the pocket 146 are circular in transverse cross-section. In other embodiments, the head 142 and the pocket can have mating shapes with flats, projections or other structures that allow the head 142 to be positioned at a plurality of discrete rotational positions within the pocket 144. Each discrete rotational position corresponds to a different angle of incline of the cradle 28.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative arm support device 220 having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The arm support device 220 includes an arm cradle 228 connected to a clamp 234. The clamp 234 is adapted to be secured to the handle 24 of the fishing rod 22.

Referring to FIG. 5, the arm cradle 228 includes a base portion 250 and two side walls 252. An arm cushioning member 291 is secured to the base 250. A pivot pin 232 is mounted to the front end of the arm cradle 228.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the clamp 234 includes first and second clamp pieces 200, 202. In certain embodiments, the clamp pieces 200, 202 are made of a plastic/polymeric material such as polycarbonate. The clamp pieces 200, 202 define opposing inner surfaces 200 a, 202 a which cooperate to define an interior channel or receptacle 208 for receiving the rod handle 24. The pieces 200, 202 include gripping projections 293 that project radially into the receptacle 208. The projections 293 are adapted to press into the handle 24 of the fishing rod 22 to resist relative rotational movement between the handle 24 and the clamp 234. Fasteners 210 such as screws or bolts or other fasteners are used to draw the clamping members 200, 202 together to clamp the handle 24 within the receptacle 208.

Referring to FIG. 6, the clamp 234 defines a generally upright pivot opening 250 that extends through the second clamping member 202 at a location laterally offset from the handle receptacle 208. The pivot opening 250 is adapted to pivotally receive a lower pivot shaft 270 of the pivot pin 232. Fasteners 252 can be used to prevent the pivot pin 232 from inadvertently being withdrawn from the pivot opening 250.

With regard to the foregoing description, changes may be made in detail, especially with regard to the shape, size and arrangement of the parts. It is intended that the specification and depicted aspects be considered elective only and not limiting with respect to the broad underlying concepts of the present disclosure. 

1. A fishing system comprising: a fishing rod including a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, the fishing rod also including eyelets positioned at one of the top or bottom sides of the fishing rod, the fishing rod further including a reel mount, a shaft that extends forwardly from the reel mount and a handle that extends rearwardly from the reel mount, the eyelets being mounted to the shaft; and an arm cradle connected to the fishing rod, the arm cradle having a forearm receiving portion located rearward of the reel mount, the forearm receiving portion being elongated along a length that extends between front and rear ends of the forearm receiving portion, the forearm receiving portion being configured such the length of the forearm receiving portion extends generally parallel to a user's forearm when the user's forearm is received within the forearm receiving portion, the forearm receiving portion of the arm cradle opening in an upward direction, and the arm cradle being pivotally moveable relative to the fishing rod about a pivot axis that is positioned adjacent the front end of the forearm receiving portion of the arm cradle and is also offset to one of the left or right sides of the fishing rod, wherein the arm cradle can pivot left and right relative to the fishing rod.
 2. The fishing system of claim 1, wherein the arm cradle is positioned above the top side of the fishing rod.
 3. The fishing system of claim 1, wherein the arm cradle inclines upwardly from the fishing rod at an angle in the range of 0-45 degrees.
 4. The fishing system of claim 1, wherein the cradle defines an incline angle relative to the fishing rod, and wherein the incline angle is adjustable.
 5. The fishing system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the arm cradle extends rearwardly beyond a rear end of the handle.
 6. The fishing system of claim 1, wherein the cradle includes a base portion and opposing left and right side walls that define an upwardly facing channel having an open top side, an open front end and an open back end, the channel having a width and a length, the width of the channel being defined between the side walls and the length of the channel extending between the open front end and the open rear end of the channel, the length of the channel being at least 1.5 times longer than the width of the channel.
 7. The fishing system of claim 6, wherein the channel length is in the range of 5-12 inches.
 8. The fishing system of claim 7, further comprising a pivot pin coupled to the arm cradle at a location adjacent the open front end of the channel, the pivot pin including a pivot portion that extends downwardly from the arm cradle.
 9. The fishing system of claim 8, further comprising a clamp coupled to the fishing rod, the clamp defining an opening in which the pivot portion is pivotally mounted.
 10. An arm support device for use with an elongated item having a handle, the arm support device comprising: a coupler adapted to be coupled to the handle; a forearm receiving member elongated along a length that extends between front and rear ends of the forearm receiving member, the forearm receiving member being configured such the length of the forearm receiving member extends generally parallel to a user's forearm when the user's forearm is received within the forearm receiving member, the forearm receiving member being positioned above the coupler; and a pivot member that connects the forearm receiving member to the coupler, the pivot member defining a pivot axis that extends generally in an upward/downward direction and is located adjacent the front end of the forearm receiving member, the forearm receiving member being pivotally moveable about the pivot axis defined by the pivot member.
 11. The arm support device of claim 10, wherein the forearm receiving member includes a base portion that inclines upwardly from the coupler.
 12. An arm support device for use with an elongated item having a handle, the arm support device comprising: a coupler adapted to be coupled to the handle; an arm cradle that opens in an upward direction, the arm cradle being positioned above the coupler; and a pivot pin that connects the arm cradle to the coupler, the pivot pin including a pivot shaft that extends downwardly from the arm cradle to the coupler, and wherein the cradle includes a base portion that inclines upwardly from the coupler at an angle in the range of 15-30 degrees relative to the coupler.
 13. The arm support device of claim 10, wherein the forearm receiving member inclines relative to the coupler as the arm cradle extends from the front end to the back end.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. An arm support device for use with an elongated item having a handle, the arm support device comprising: a clamp including a receptacle for receiving the handle, the clamp including a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a front side and a back side, the receptacle extending through the clamp from the front side to the back side; an arm cradle having a base portion and opposing left and right side walls that define an upwardly facing channel having an open top side, an open front end and an open back end, the channel having a width and a length, the width of the channel being defined as a maximum distance measured between the side walls and the length of the channel extending between the open front end and the open rear end of the channel, the width of the channel being shorter than the length of the channel; and a connecting member that connects the arm cradle to the clamp, the connecting member having at least a portion that extends downwardly from the arm cradle to the clamp, the connecting member defining a pivot axis for allowing the arm cradle to pivot left and right relative to the clamp, the pivot axis being offset to the left or the right of the receptacle, and the pivot axis being positioned at a location adjacent the open front end of the arm cradle channel.
 17. The arm support device of claim 16, wherein the base portion inclines as the base portion extends from the open front end to the open back end.
 18. The arm support device of claim 16, wherein the length of the channel is at least 1.5 times larger than the width of the channel.
 19. The arm support device of claim 17, wherein the length of the channel is at least two times larger than the width of the channel.
 20. The arm support device of claim 16, wherein the length of the channel is in the range of 5-12 inches.
 21. The arm support device of claim 16, wherein the clamp includes at least one threaded fastener for tightening the clamp.
 22. The arm support device of claim 21, wherein the clamp includes two clamp pieces that are drawn together by the at least one threaded fastener.
 23. An arm support device for use with an elongated item having a handle, the arm support device comprising: a handle coupler defining a pivot pin opening; an arm cradle having a base portion and opposing left and right side walls that define an upwardly facing channel having an open top side, the channel having a width and a length, the width of the channel being defined as a maximum distance measured between the left and right side walls, the length of the channel being generally perpendicular to the width and extending from a front end to a back end of the base portion, and the width of the channel being shorter than the length of the channel; and a pivot pin having an upper end portion connected to the arm cradle adjacent the front end of the base portion, and a lower end portion pivotally received within the pivot pin opening of the handle coupler, wherein the pivot pin pivots within the pivot pin opening to allow the arm cradle to be pivoted relative to the handle coupler.
 24. The arm support device of claim 23, wherein the base portion inclines as the base portion extends from the front end to the back end of the base portion.
 25. The arm support device of claim 23, wherein the length of the channel is at least two times larger than the width of the channel.
 26. The arm support device of claim 23, wherein the length of the channel is in the range of 5-12 inches.
 27. A fishing system comprising: a fishing rod including a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, the fishing rod also including eyelets positioned at one of the top or bottom sides of the fishing rod, the fishing rod further including a reel mount, a shaft that extends forwardly from the reel mount and a handle that extends rearwardly from the reel mount, the eyelets being mounted to the shaft; and a forearm support connected to the fishing rod, the forearm support having a support portion adapted for engaging an angler's forearm, the support portion being located rearward of the reel mount when the angler's forearm is supported thereon, the forearm support being pivotally moveable relative to the fishing rod about a pivot axis that is oriented to allow the forearm support to pivot left and right relative to the fishing rod.
 28. The fishing system of claim 27, wherein the forearm support is elongated in a direction that extends away from the pivot axis, and wherein the support portion of the forearm support angles upwardly as the support portion extends away from the pivot axis.
 29. The fishing system of claim 27, wherein the forearm support is positioned higher than the top side of the fishing rod, and wherein the forearm support can be pivoted to a position in which the forearm support is located directly over a top side of the handle, and can also be pivoted to a position where the forearm support is not located directly over the top side of the handle.
 30. The fishing system of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the forearm support extends rearwardly beyond a rear end of the handle.
 31. The fishing system of claim 27, wherein the forearm support is elongated in a direction adapted to be parallel with a user's forearm when the forearm is supported by the support portion of the forearm support. 